More than 190 submissions on the draft Mount Aspiring National Park Management Plan Review have been received by the Department of Conservation (Doc), and more are expected before the 5pm close today.
Doc Otago Conservancy planner Bronwyn Hunt, of Alexandra, said submissions had been made by many recreational, environmental and tourism groups, operators and residents in or near the park.
Ms Hunt said she could not yet say how many submissions were in support or opposition.
Submissions on the draft document, which will guide how Mt Aspiring National Park is managed for the next decade, have come from around New Zealand.
More than 200 people and groups were consulted when Doc revised the 10-year plan, last approved in 1994.
The plan was publicly notified on April 4.
Tentative public hearing dates were pencilled in across Otago, with one on the West Coast and possibly one other location, before Doc seeks final approval from the New Zealand Conservation Authority and the Minister of Conservation early next year.
Teleconferencing could be used to cater for North Island submitters.
The Dunedin hearing is tentatively set for July 14 or 15, or both days.
The Haast hearing could be on July 24.
Doc Wakatipu area manager Greg Lind will chair the Queenstown hearing, potentially on July 20 and/or July 21.
Doc Wanaka area manager Paul Hellebrekers will chair the Wanaka hearing earmarked for July 23 and/or 24.
The managers will be joined by two members of the Otago Conservation Board per panel.
Issues coming up include aircraft use, aircraft landing restrictions, visitor numbers, film activities, protecting natural quiet, the level of commercial activity in remote and wilderness areas, and protecting biodiversity from introduced pest plants and animals.
